Oregon Department of Energy Announces New Grant Program for County Energy Resilience Planning

Media Contact: Jennifer Kalez
Program Contact: county.resilience@energy.oregon.gov

SALEM – The Oregon Department of Energy has launched a new grant program that will bolster energy resilience in communities across the state. Through ODOE’s County Energy Resilience Program, Oregon counties can apply for up to $50,000 to support development of an energy resilience plan.

Energy resilience plans – and the actions to implement them – will strengthen the ability of a community to maintain or quickly recover the energy systems needed to support critical public services during disruptions to the state’s larger energy systems. Strengthening local energy resilience is fast becoming a priority as Oregon has experienced more extreme weather events in recent years like ice storms and extreme heat, as well as public power safety shutoffs during potential wildfire conditions. Local energy resilience will also support communities in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Counties will receive funding for developing plans that outline current energy infrastructure, identify resilience needs, and map out a path for implementation. Plans are also expected to reflect engagement with environmental justice communities to identify communities more vulnerable to energy disruptions.

“We’ve seen first-hand how Oregon communities are affected by disruptions to energy systems, including weather-related power outages or delayed fuel deliveries,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “We look forward to supporting counties across the state in developing plans that can make local communities more resilient and swifter to recover following energy emergencies.”

The County Energy Resilience Program was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2023, through passage of House Bill 3630.

Each Oregon county government is eligible for a grant, and counties may pool their funds and work together in cohorts. ODOE will accept and review applications on a rolling basis through February 28, 2025, and counties must provide a copy of their developed plans by August 1, 2025. More information about the program, application requirements, and eligibility is available on ODOE’s website.